12/10/2016 - WHO MUST THEY HEAR

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But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’”    Luke 16:31

In the parable told by Jesus about the rich man and Lazarus – the leprous beggar who lived at the door of that man -, we see the importance of listening to what Moses and the prophets wrote. In these writings, we find the will of God for man, we discover who we are and what we can do and, at the same time, because we listen to their words, we receive the faith to accomplish the same works done by Christ. 

In the Old Testament, there are several examples of people who were inspired by the Scriptures and, because of that, they were used by the Lord to deliver the people from the suffering inflicted by the nations around them. By taking part of the meetings of a prophet sent by the Most High, in response to the prayers done concerning the oppression caused by the Midianites, Gideon understood that he had to do something. 

When he listened to what was written in the book of the Law, which was found during the reformation of the temple, Josiah, king of Judah trembled before those words and implemented a gigantic reform in his kingdom. The cure for humanity is in the revelation of the Book of God, for, if this is not done, then people will not fear Him. When there is no prophecy – revelation of the Word -, people cast off restraint (Proverbs 29:18a). 

In the book of Isaiah, we find an important orientation regarding that which we must believe or not. Any phenomena, no matter how interesting it is; any ministry, no matter how many signs it does; or any movement in church, although it takes thousands of people to seek the house of God; all of them have to be in accordance with the Law and with the testimony given to the hearts of those who come into contact with the Scriptures.  

The part of science that deals with marketing, advertising, psychology and other related branches can help fill up the temples; however, as soon as that newness is gone, the churches will once again be empty, for those who are born of flesh profits nothing. If the preachers consecrate themselves and begin to use the power of God, healing the sick and casting out demons, the congregations will be filled with the lost ones and revival will continue. 

Before China became communist, the evangelical churches in that country were full, because after the service, each Chinese man and woman received a package of rice. However, with the implementation of the “red philosophy”, the churches were emptied, because since the people did not receive anything, they would not go to the services. The American missionary agencies learned that “buying” sinners does not change anyone´s life. 

If we are not able to make Moses and the prophets speak to our generation, we will not succeed in carrying out the Lord´s work. To fill the churches with celebrations, promotions and free gifts can even harm the church. But, if we do the signs Jesus did, we will see our temples invaded by those who are hungry for the Truth. 

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares